Madikwe Safari & Sun City

A 7 day luxury safari holiday in South Africa to the Madikwe Game Reserve and Sun City Resort, staying at one of the top safari lodges in the country. Enjoy 4 nights on safari followed by 3 nights to relax and enjoy the facilities of the amazing Sun City Resort.

Madikwe is in the North West Province on the border with Botswana. Home to Africa’s Big 5 and thriving populations of Black rhino, cheetah and Wild dogs, game viewing is every bit as good as its more famous rival, the Kruger. There are some indigenous species of antelope found here, that aren’t found in the Kruger. We highly recommend this as an alternative safari destination.

With the “Operation Phoenix” which began in 1993, more than 8,000 heads of game were brought into the park. In 1996, predators were introduced in Madikwe, first cheetahs, wild dogs and hyenas, later also lions from the Etosha National Park (Namibia) and the neighbouring Pilanesberg National Park. 180 elephants came from the Gonarezhou Game Reserve in Zimbabwe which had been hit by a disastrous drought. The resettlement of the elephants was a great success and their population in Madikwe has grown to 250 animals.

The reserve has a number of superb lodges and accommodation standards are extremely high. The area has the added bonus of being malaria-free, a consideration for those travelling with children.

Madikwe Safari & Sun City Itinerary:

Day 1 – Johannesburg – Madikwe
Arrive in Johannesburg after your overnight flight. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Federal Air terminal for the short 45 min. flight to Madikwe Airstrip.You will met at the airstrip by your Ranger who will transport you to the fabulous Mateya Safari Lodge.

Mateya Safari Lodge is designed for the discerning traveler, offering a graceful fusion of relaxed comfort in a beautiful setting. The lodge caters for a maximum of  ten guests. As such, you are assured exclusivity, privacy and the very highest standards of personal care and attention at all times. We believe that Mateya is one of the best lodges for a South Africa safari holiday both in terms of the accommodation but also for game viewing.

Nestled in the rocky outcrop of the Gabbro hills, the lodge, comprising dining, lounge, and relaxation areas, provides a high elevation, uninterrupted view of the reserve. The suites are arranged in a radial configuration around one of the hills, each with a private, rim-flow pool deck and natural window sala overlooking the waterhole and plains. There is a therapist offering spa treatments and a small jacuzzi/gym area.

Whether soaking up the afternoon rays whilst on a guided tracking safari, or sitting down to an evening of fine dining, each and every feature of your visit will leave you with memories of an unforgettable experience. Gazing out through the glass walls of the main dining room, or watching the cinders leap into the starry night from the bonfire in the open air fire pit, Mateya offers a sublime fusion of luxury in the untamed African wilderness. Spend 4 nights at Mateya on a Fully Inclusive Basis.

Day 5 – Madikwe – Sun City
A morning game drive and breakfast before being you are collected for your road transfer to Sun City, two hours away. The first part of your journey will be through the Madikwe National Park – so a game drive in itself!

On arrival in Sun City you will be transferred to your hotel, the luxurious 5 star Palace Hotel, the most prestigious hotel in the resort.

Sun City is quite unlike any other resort destination in the world. Built on an extinct volcanic crater the complex is a work of over the top fantasy, luxurious in every design and detail. Round the clock entertainment for the whole family incorporates a choice of over 25 restaurants, spectacular theatrical shows, cinemas, bars, nightclubs, a casino and a games arcade for children, complete with its own cinema. Adjoining the resort are two unbelievable golf courses, including the Gary Player Country Club Course and the beautiful Pilanesberg National Park, malaria-free and home to the Big 5.

The Palace Hotel is a lavish 5 star hotel in the Sun City complex that offers royal hospitality, exquisite décor and five star friendly service. Surrounding the hotel is a 25 hectare botanical jungle threaded with meandering paths, cascades, lakes, pools and a variety of water adventure rides. The interior of the palace features mosaics, frescoes and hand-painted ceilings, which all pay tribute to the art and nature of South Africa.

The Palace Hotel comprises 338 rooms and four suites – The King, Royal, Africa and Desert suites. They are the epitome of regal opulence and grandeur, each being unique with hand-carved walls, frescoed ceilings and handcrafted artefacts. Special features of the standard rooms at the hotel include individual entrance foyers, en-suite bathroom, lounge area and butler station. All the luxury suites at the Palace of the Lost City have two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms as well as sauna and Jacuzzi baths.

In keeping with the amazing surroundings of the Palace Hotel, all the restaurants serve exquisite cuisine. The Villa del Palazzo overlooks the pool and appears to float like a jewel box of colour on a cushion of sparkling water. It specialises in North Italian a la Carte dinners. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the beautifully laid out Crystal Court. The meals are light and delicious and strongly influenced by the cuisine of South Africa and other African styles.

There are also two suitably opulent bars – ideal for enjoying cocktails, pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap the Tusk Bar and the elegant Palm Court Lounge offering butler service in true colonial style.

Spend 3 nights at The Palace Hotel in a standard room on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 8 – Departure day
You will be transferred back to Johannesburg for your flight home.

It is possible to transfer onto Cape Town or another destination if you would like to extend your holiday, we would be happy to make suggestions.

If you would like more information about the Madikwe Safari and Sun City holiday itinerary, speak to our Africa Safari team on +44 208 249 5919. Alternatively you can contact us here by email.